Gond Ladoo Recipe – Traditional Indian Sweet with Melon Seeds & Ghee

Last Updated on 3 months by Neha Deshmukh

Gond Ladoo Recipe – Traditional Indian Sweet with Melon Seeds & Ghee

Hey everyone! If you’re looking for a truly comforting and nourishing Indian sweet, you’ve come to the right place. Gond ladoo – those little golden balls of goodness – are a winter staple in many Indian households, and for good reason! They’re packed with energy, incredibly delicious, and just…well, they feel like a warm hug in a bite. I remember my grandmother making these every Lohri, and the whole house would smell divine. Let’s get into making them!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

These aren’t just any ladoos. Gond ladoo are special. They’re made with gond (edible gum), which is believed to be incredibly beneficial, especially during the colder months. Plus, the combination of ghee, nuts, and seeds makes them wonderfully flavorful and satisfying. They’re perfect for festivals, celebrations, or just a cozy evening treat.

Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to make these delightful ladoos:

• 1 cup wheat flour (approx. 120g)
• 1 cup besan (gram flour) (approx. 100g)
• 2 tbsp rava (fine semolina) (approx. 20g)
• 2 tbsp gond (edible gum) (approx. 20g)
• 2 tbsp melon seeds (magaz) (approx. 20g)
• ?? tsp cardamom powder (approx. ½ – 1 tsp, depending on preference)
• 1 cup sugar (approx. 200g)
• ?? cup ghee (approx. 170-200ml – you might need a little more or less)
• Silver vark (for decoration) – optional

Ingredient Notes

Let’s talk ingredients! Getting these right makes all the difference.

Ghee: Types and Quality for Authentic Flavor

Ghee is key to a good gond ladoo. It adds that rich, nutty flavor and helps bind everything together. Traditionally, homemade ghee is best, but good quality store-bought ghee works too. Look for ghee that’s golden yellow and has a fragrant aroma.

Gond (Edible Gum): Benefits and Sourcing

Gond is a resin harvested from acacia trees. It’s known for its warming properties and is often used in Ayurvedic medicine. You can usually find it at Indian grocery stores. It looks like small, translucent droplets. Don’t be alarmed by its appearance – it transforms beautifully when fried!

Wheat Flour, Besan & Rava: The Perfect Blend

This trio creates a lovely texture. Wheat flour provides structure, besan adds a nutty flavor, and rava gives a slightly grainy, melt-in-your-mouth feel. Using the right proportions is important for the perfect ladoo consistency.

Melon Seeds (Magaz): Nutritional Value & Regional Uses

Melon seeds, or magaz, are a nutritional powerhouse! They’re rich in protein and healthy fats. In some regions, people also add other seeds like pumpkin seeds or sunflower seeds for extra flavor and nutrition.

Cardamom Powder: Fresh vs. Store-Bought

Freshly ground cardamom is always best – the aroma is incredible! But good quality store-bought cardamom powder works perfectly well. Just make sure it’s vibrant green and smells fragrant.

Step-By-Step Instructions

Alright, let’s get cooking!

1. First, heat the ghee in a heavy-bottomed pan. Add the gond and fry it on low flame. Watch it carefully – it will puff up like popcorn! Once puffed, drain it on a paper towel and set aside.
2. In the same ghee (don’t discard it!), add the wheat flour, besan, and rava. Roast on low heat, stirring constantly, until everything is well combined and lightly golden brown. This takes about 10-15 minutes.
3. Add the extra ghee (you might need a tablespoon or two more) and the melon seeds. Continue roasting for another 5-7 minutes, until the mixture is aromatic and golden brown. The aroma is amazing at this stage!
4. Transfer the roasted mixture to a plate and let it cool slightly. Once it’s warm enough to handle, mix in the crushed fried gond and cardamom powder.
5. Now, grind the sugar into a fine powder using a mixer or food processor. This is important for a smooth ladoo texture.
6. Combine the warm flour mixture with the powdered sugar and mix thoroughly. Work quickly, as the mixture will start to set as it cools.
7. While the mixture is still warm, shape it into round ladoos. You can use a ladoo maker if you have one, or simply use your hands.
8. Finally, decorate the ladoos with silver vark and chopped cashews (optional, but they look so pretty!).

Expert Tips

• Low and Slow: Roasting the flour mixture on low heat is crucial. It prevents burning and ensures even cooking.
• Don’t Overcrowd: Fry the gond in batches if necessary to ensure it puffs up properly.
• Warm is Key: Shaping the ladoos while the mixture is still warm makes it much easier.
• Ghee Consistency: The amount of ghee needed can vary. Add more if the mixture feels too dry.

Variations

Want to switch things up? Here are a few ideas:

• Vegan Gond Ladoo Adaptation: Substitute the ghee with coconut oil or vegan butter.
• Gluten-Free Gond Ladoo Adaptation: Replace the wheat flour with a gluten-free flour blend.
• Adjusting the Sweetness Level: Reduce the amount of sugar if you prefer less sweet ladoos. My friend, Priya, always makes hers with ¾ cup of sugar.
• Festival Adaptations (Lohri, Makar Sankranti): Add a pinch of saffron to the mixture for a festive touch.

Serving Suggestions

Gond ladoo are delicious on their own with a glass of warm milk or a cup of chai. They’re also a lovely addition to a festive platter.

Storage Instructions

Store gond ladoos in an airtight container at room temperature. They’ll stay fresh for up to a week, but honestly, they rarely last that long in my house!

FAQs

Let’s answer some common questions:

What is Gond and where can I find it?

Gond is an edible gum derived from acacia trees. You can find it at most Indian grocery stores, usually in the spice or dry goods section.

Can I use a different type of flour in this recipe?

You can experiment with different flours, but the combination of wheat flour, besan, and rava gives the best texture.

How do I know when the Gond is properly fried?

The gond is properly fried when it puffs up significantly in size and becomes light and airy.

What is Silver Vark and is it essential for Gond Ladoo?

Silver vark is a very thin sheet of edible silver leaf used for decoration. It’s not essential, but it adds a touch of elegance.

How long do Gond Ladoos stay fresh?

Gond ladoos stay fresh for about a week when stored in an airtight container at room temperature.